2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster
Registration no. Not UK Registered
Chassis no. WDD1994761M002027

Manufactured between 2003 and 2010, their new supercar allowed Mercedes-Benz and its then Formula 1 partner, McLaren, to showcase their collective experience in the development, construction, and production of high-performance sports cars and, just like its legendary 300 SLR predecessor of 1955, it incorporated technological developments that were ahead of their time. Yet the term 'supercar' does not do full justice to the SLR, which, its peerless performance notwithstanding, is a luxurious and finely engineered Gran Turismo in the best traditions of Mercedes-Benz.

The heart of any car is its engine, and that of the SLR McLaren is truly outstanding. Produced at Mercedes-Benz's AMG performance division, it is a 5.5-litre, 24-valve, supercharged V8 producing 617bhp, making it one of the most powerful engines ever found in a series-produced road-going sports car. Impressive though this peak horsepower figure is, it is the torque produced by this state-of-the-art 'blown' motor that is its most remarkable feature. The torque curve is almost flat: there is already 440lb/ft by 1,500 rpm and well over 500lb/ft between 3,000 and 5,000 revs.

Needless to say, the SLR McLaren delivers performance figures that are still among the best in its class. Taking just 3.8 seconds to sprint from 0-100km/h (62mph), it passes the 200km/h (125mph) mark after 10.6 seconds and from a standing start takes just 28.8 seconds to reach 300km/h (186mph). The two-seater has a top speed of 334km/h (207mph). The five-speed automatic transmission was specially optimised for very high torque and also offered the driver the option of choosing between different shift characteristics using the Speedshift system.

Reflecting the long-term technological collaboration that Mercedes-Benz and McLaren enjoyed in Formula 1, the SLR's carbon fibre composite monocoque body/chassis structure was produced in the latter's then all-new facility in Woking, England. Topping off this technological tour de force is the electronically controlled rear spoiler, which rises to an angle of 65 degrees when the driver brakes heavily, boosting the braking effect by increasing aerodynamic drag and lending the SLR outstanding stability when braking from high speeds.

The stylish roadster offered here is an example of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition. The '722' refers to the victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia of Stirling Moss and his co-driver Denis Jenkinson, whose Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR had the starting number '722' (indicating a start time of 7:22 a.m.). The roadster variant of the 722 Edition was unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show as the 722 S. The latter used the same engine and running gear as the coupé together with the standard SLR roadster's folding roof mechanism. Its performance was on a par with that of the closed coupé. The model went on sale in January 2009 and production was limited to 150 units.

Sold new to the current vendor, this 722 S roadster was built to Swiss specifications and comes with a copy of its order confirmation listing the following features among others:

Crystal Fayalite Green paintwork
Silver Arrow leather – Pastel Yellow seats
Red-black fabric soft-top
Garage door opener
Audio 30 APS with radio
Mobile phone pre-installation
Fire extinguished
Technical modifications (model year 2009)
CD changer
Passenger compartment protection
19" multi-spoked rims in forged aluminium
Black carbon interior trim
Soft-top mechanism cover
Carbon-fibre bucket-type sport seats XL size
Special red seatbelts
Brake callipers in gold
2-tone steering wheel

Offered with a photocopy of its Middle Eastern registration card (issued 20th March 2022), the car has spent most of the time since delivery in dry storage and may require re-commissioning before further use.

Please note that if this vehicle is to stay in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the standard rate of 20% on the hammer price. Import Duty will also be applicable at 10% (plus VAT) on the hammer price. This vehicle will also require a NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrival). An additional fee of £350 (plus VAT) will be charged to prepare the NOVA. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers. Please note that this vehicle is only offered with a photocopy of its old registration document, bidders should satisfy themselves as to registration requirements in their own jurisdiction. Please contact the department for further information.